E-scooters are no longer just urban short-distance vehicles. Modern models are realistically suitable for commuting, long-distance journeys, and daily use β provided you choose the right one and use it wisely.
π΄ In short: Not everyone needs a car β but not every e-scooter is suitable for every lifestyle. This article will help you put that into perspective.
What exactly constitutes a "long distance" when it comes to e-scooters?
In the context of e-scooters, "long distance" is not a fixed term. What matters is not just a single trip, but the entire daily distance β including the return journey, detours, and reserve power.
- π Short distance: up to approx. 10 km per day
- π Medium distance: 10β30 km per day
- π Long distance: 30β80 km per day
π‘ Important: Those who drive daily should not push the limits of the maximum range, but always plan for a reserve.
Typical commuter profiles β honestly categorized
ποΈ City commuters (10β25 km per day)
E-scooters are almost ideal for city commuters. Short distances, minimal elevation gain, and moderate speeds ensure low battery drain and minimal operating costs.
- β very efficient
- β Low charging frequency
- β Extremely low cost per kilometer
π Agglo & rural commuters (25-50 km per day)
Longer distances are also realistic β but only with sufficient battery capacity and careful planning. This is where the difference between entry-level and high-performance models becomes apparent.
βοΈ Practical tip: For these distances, a larger battery is more worthwhile than a higher top speed.
- β Well suited with a large battery
- β Ideal for charging points at home or at work
- β οΈ Driving style crucial for everyday usability
π£οΈ Long-distance drivers (50β80 km per day)
This is where it gets challenging. Such distances are possible, but only with powerful batteries, a moderate pace, and realistic expectations.
β οΈ To be honest: Constant full throttle and daily long-distance driving don't go together β even with large batteries.
Cost comparison: E-scooter vs. car (realistically calculated)
The financial difference becomes particularly noticeable on medium and longer commutes.
- πΈ Energy: usually less than 1 CHF per 100 km
- π οΈ Maintenance: minimal (hardly any wear parts)
- Parking: often free or very cheap
- π Fixed costs: significantly lower than for a car
π Conclusion in numbers: For many commuters, an e-scooter saves several thousand francs over the year.
For whom an e-scooter is not a good solution
- β People with a daily full-throttle driving style
- β Unplanned long journeys without charging options
- β Continuous use in extreme cold without battery reserve
This is also important: An e-scooter is not a replacement for every scenario β but for many everyday journeys it is a surprisingly strong alternative.
π Conclusion: Range + planning = true everyday usability
E-scooters are no longer just toys. Those who know their driving profile, plan realistically, and choose the right model can easily use them as a daily means of transport β even over longer distances.
π¦ Simply put: It's not the distance that matters β but how well the vehicle, battery and usage match.
